HIT Pros: Should Your Salary Be Higher?

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A new survey shows that in spite of almost guaranteed annual
pay increases, health IT staff still expect higher salaries and the gender gap
is still wide.

The annual HealthITJob.com’s survey shows that while the mean
salary is $93, 000, many healthcare IT staff want an increase. Meanwhile,
the 2016 Health IT Salary Report puts the average health IT salary at $93,469
and the average bonus earned at $7,603.

The survey also showed that men earn 14 percent more than women
in health IT. Additionally, it is three times more likely that men will hold
executive, higher-paid positions.

In terms of how much staff are paid in HIT, experience, age,
job type and gender are some of the key deciding factors.

“As the healthcare industry and technology continue to
evolve, health IT professionals will be in higher demand,” HealthITJobs.com’s
vice president Tim Cannon said. “Because these professionals bring such value
to organisations, employers are willing to provide desirable compensation
packages to attract and keep the best talent in the field.”

The survey consisted of date collection from 802 individuals
who had HIT experience.

While 51 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with
their salaries, they thought the average shortfall between what they are making
and what they think they should be making was $15,553.

Executives are the
highest paid

Executives, who made up just 2.5 percent of survey respondents,
earn highest average health IT salaries at $171,341 plus an average bonus of
$27,500.

Consulting companies
pay the most

30 percent of respondents reemployed by consulting
companies. These companies pay 14 percent more than software companies, the second-highest
payer. The healthcare sector employs most of these professions who earn an
average of $86,321 annually.

Expertise is valuable

Pros who have a track record of working in HIT tend to earn
more than IT professionals from other sectors.

The Gender Gap Persists

Last year’s report showed a parity between men and women’s
salaries but this year’s found that men earned 14 percent more than women in
health IT.

Professional Satisfaction

79 percent are satisfied with their current job but 40
percent said it is likely they will change jobs in the next year.